Help on Hull and Jet Selections

[LiquidJ]

Hey jet boat fans, kind of a lurker, do not have a lot a time to post, but need you help. You guys are the experts so here it is.
I have two jet boats I have acces to buy, and would like you opinions on the hulls and drive. I know the 455 should be used as an anchor...but they have both been rebuilt by marine engine rebuilders.
The first is a 73 Marlin with a rebuilt Berkley Drive w/ Jet-O-Vator and a rebuilt 455 (approx 15 hours).
The other is a 73 Hondo with a Jacuzzi WJ drive (original) and rebuilt 455 .03 over (approx 20 hours).
I do not have a lot of specs on the engines, but right now am more concerned with the hull and drives. Any negative/postive feed back would be great. Thanks

[Tahiti Tiger Mark]

We just GPS'd my 18' Tahiti last weekend with 4 people, ice chest, and 20 gallons of gas at 60.3 mph. I have a 455 olds with a torker manifold, holley carb, and crappy log headers, mated to a Berk JC no diverter. Pretty damn basic setup but it runs and is a great skier.

[sidewound]

Don't be too hard on the 455 or you'll stir everybody up. I just got done building mine. With the right prep the 455 is a descent power plant. Anchor my A$$. If you wanna run the "everybodys got one" power you will get more bang for your buck tho.
Peace Man
CESAR

[1Bahnerjet]

Too Bad You couldn't get the Hondo with the Berkeley, well if you could that would be the set-up. wink
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Thats BANNER with an H

[HotHallet]

Buy the hondo!

[Aqua Boogie1]

I would go with the marlin, being that the pump motor has been re-build. It would to be less problems from the motor and pump at least. Even though the hondo motor was done and not the pump. Just my opinion?????

[Aqua Boogie1]

Ooohhh, by the way. Just because I have a marlin carries no right...... wink

[Aqua Boogie1]

Ooohhh, by the way. Just because I have a marlin carries no weight...... wink

[1Bahnerjet]

I know What a Hondo is, Whats a Marlin?( do you have a Pic.? )
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Thats BANNER with an H

[Aqua Boogie1]

I don't have a pic to post yet, have to buy a camara. But you can check Vintage jet boats website and check it out there. The openbow is the Aries and the closed, is the tigershark.